A nationwide standard of accessible postpartum depression screenings would help overcome these barriers. Home-visiting postpartum programs, which are funded by nearly every state, may be the best chance to achieve this for now. One specific example of current federal support for home visiting programs is the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grant, which is implemented in 30 percent of U.S. counties. MIECHV targets populations at an increased risk of depression, including low-income families, teen parents, and families with reported histories of child maltreatment. The initiative also provides screening, referrals, and resources for mothers.

Evaluations of MIECHV programs have found significant improvements in the lives of families, the emotional well-being of mothers and their children, as well as parenting skills. The MIECHV programs are evidence-based and focus on continued evaluation and quality improvement. States have worked toward building stronger systems for their MIECHV programs in order to narrow the gaps between research and practice. This strategy is an example of an approach that improves the lives of all members of a family by targeting those in need, addressing the mental health of mothers and children, and providing continued support.

Bolstering this approach and others would improve the standard of postpartum depression screening and treatment. In doing so, it would also improve our understanding of maternal mental health and how to treat some of the most widespread challenges that new mothers experience.